FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 28, 2008
CONTACT:  Martyn Beeny, (605) 773-8161, martyn.beeny@state.sd.us

 State Historical Society work selected Most Outstanding Children’s Book of 2008

PIERRE, S.D.—Dance in a Buffalo Skull, published by the South Dakota State Historical Society, has been voted the Most Outstanding Children’s Book of 2008 by the Mom’s Choice Awards.

The Mom’s Choice Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media products and services. The judges for the awards include Dr. Twila C. Liggett, ten-time Emmy-winner, and Julie Aigner-Clark, creator of Baby Einstein.

S. D. Nelson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux and the illustrator of Dance in a Buffalo Skull was delighted to hear that the book had been recognized. “That is such good news,” he said. “Congratulations to the South Dakota State Historical Society Press for publishing this excellent book.”

“We are most pleased with receiving the highest Mom’s Choice Award,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. “This award is a tribute to the efforts of the Press in publishing South Dakota’s rich heritage, a fantastic traditional tale, and the incredible talents of artist S. D. Nelson.”

Dance in a Buffalo Skull is an American Indian story passed from generation to generation before writer Zitkala-Ša translated it into English in 1901. The book is the second story in the Prairie Tale Series from the Press.

The Midwest Book Review said that “the art blends Lakota tradition and modern styles to match the tall tale and bring it to life,” and School Library Journal wrote, “The narrative tension builds deliciously . . . This tale would be perfect in a scary story time, told with the lights down low.”

Available for $14.95 plus shipping and tax, Dance in a Buffalo Skull can be purchased from most bookstores, or ordered directly from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press. Visit www.prairie-tale.com or call (605) 773-6009.